GASTROENTERITIS
20 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Gastroenteritis is a medical condition in which inflammation of stomach and small intestine occurs. It is also called as infectious diarrhea which affects gastrointestinal tract, caused due to viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. It is also known by other names such as stomach bug, stomach flu, intestinal flu, stomach virus, food poisoning and traveler’s diarrhea.
CAUSES –
- Viral infection: Rotavirus and Norovirus cause viral gastroenteritis
- Bacterial and parasitic infections
- Contaminated food and water
- Certain food like gluten and lactose
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness and tiredness
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever and chills
- Dehydration
DIAGNOSIS –
- Physical examination
- Sampling of stools
- Blood test
TREATMENT –
- Antibiotic medications
- Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
RISK FACTORS –
- Low immunity
- Age: Young and elderly
- Crowded area
- Unhygienic conditions
- Contaminated food and water
PREVENTIONS –
- Vaccination
- Maintain hygiene
- Avoid taking Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)
- Drink boiled water
- Avoid eating raw and uncooked meat
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- Estimation shows that nearly 5 billion people suffers from Gastroenteritis annually which results in 1.4 million deaths at global level.
- Young children and aged people are majorly affected.